Biodynamic Modeling and Scaling: Anthropomorphic Dummies, Animals and Man

After a brief outline of the applications and methods of biomechanics and the major sources of biodynamics data, the paper reviews the status of mathematical modeling, physical modeling dummies and scaling of models and damage levels. Biomechanics data required for preparing mathematical models, as well as for adjusting and validating the computer programs, are found to be insufficient for computational applications. Because of this paucity of supporting data, computer models are in general oversimplified and rudimentary, despite the availability of adequate computational techniques used in the aerospace industry. Physical models and the requirements for dynamic similarity are discussed. Although quantitative simulation is warranted under some circumstances, anthropomorphic dummies are expected to be of most value as visual aids and for purposes of demonstrating kinematic relationships between man and vehicle. Scaling from dummies to man and from animals to man is difficult to justify theoretically because of differences in structure, size and modes of failure. However, damage scaling in terms of the inputs G and delta-V required for failure, is shown to be accurate enough for purposes of rough approximation.